Cats pack animal shelters

Amid the onset of wintry weather, area animal shelters remain packed with cats and kittens in what many are calling an unusual year for the feline population. The Toledo Animal Shelter is full with 16 cats in its main cat room, six semiferal kittens in holding for medical quarantine and socialization, and four kittens in foster care. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE PHOTO, START SLIDESHOW.

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Arrianna Stiers, 7, holds a kitten at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter in West Toledo. The shelter currently houses ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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Cats available for adoption wait at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter in West Toledo.THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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Three cats share a pen together at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter.THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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A cat roams near the other feline pens at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter.THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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Daffney, a 4-month-old kitten, lays in her pen at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter in West Toledo.... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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Kim Ferguson, the kennel supervisor at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, stands in the shelter in West Toledo.THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

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Mariah, a 1-year-old Dilute Torti, has her head scratched by a visitor at the Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter in West Toledo.THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH